You can renew an expired Texas driver's license in person, by mail, or online depending on how long it has been expired

If your Texas driver's license has already expired, you cannot legally drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you renew an expired license, but the method depends on how many years past expiration it is. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a DPS office once you arrive. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Online renewal, when available to you, takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired fewer than two years can be renewed by mail or online; licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
  • You will need your expired license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number or a document showing your name and number.
  • Online renewal costs $25 and is the fastest method if your license qualifies; mail renewal costs $25 and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25 for a standard five-year license and requires an appointment or a visit during walk-in hours.
  • If your address has changed since your license expired, you must renew in person and bring proof of your current address.

Renewing online if your license expired within two years

Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no office visit. Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will need your expired license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file.

Online renewal works only if your address has not changed since your license expired. If you have moved, you cannot use the online method and must renew in person instead. The fee is $25, paid by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within five to seven business days.

Renewing by mail if your license expired within two years

Mail renewal takes longer than online but requires no appointment or office visit. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website or request it by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and driver's license number.

Mail the completed form along with your expired license, a check or money order for $25 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety," and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). Send the packet to the address listed on the DL-44 form. Processing takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided.

Renewing in person at a DPS office if your license expired more than two years ago

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office. You can also choose in-person renewal if your address has changed or if you prefer to get your new license when ready rather than wait for mail delivery.

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator to find the nearest DPS office. Most offices accept appointments through an online scheduling system; some also have walk-in hours. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). The fee is $25 for a standard five-year license. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license on the spot.

What documents you need for any renewal method

All renewal methods require your expired Texas driver's license. You also need proof of your Social Security number — your actual Social Security card is the easiest option, but DPS also accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov.

If your address has changed since your license expired, you must bring proof of your current address no matter which method you use. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days. If you are renewing by mail or online and your address has not changed, you do not need to provide address proof.

What happens if you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $100 to $200 for a first offense. You may also be required to appear in court.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot legally drive until you renew it in person. If it expired fewer than two years ago, you can begin the mail or online renewal process when ready, but you still cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Plan your renewal before your license expires to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, even if you have started the renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person at a DPS office to receive your license when ready.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still renew. At a DPS office, tell the staff member that your license is lost. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal. You cannot renew by mail or online without your license number.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Texas DPS offices require an appointment, which you can schedule online through the DPS website. Some offices have walk-in hours, but wait times are often longer. Check your local office's hours before you go.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, you should resolve them to avoid additional penalties or license suspension.

How long is a renewed Texas driver's license valid?

A standard renewed driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. Your new license will show the expiration date clearly.